From Shark Bite to Paralympic Podium: Ali Truwit's Remarkable Comeback

In May 2023, Ali Truwit was snorkeling with former Yale teammate Sophie Pilkinton in Turks and Caicos when a shark attack resulted in the loss of part of her leg. Determined to test her limits, she attended a Paralympic meet three and a half months later and soon after posted a 100-meter backstroke time at the 2024 U.S. Trials that beat her pre-injury personal best. That performance paved the way for her selection to Team USA, where she captured two silver medals and set American records in the S10 100-meter backstroke and 400-meter freestyle at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Beyond swimming, Truwit ran the New York City Marathon on November 2, 2025, completing it in 4:14:34, and launched the nonprofit Stronger Than You Think to promote resilience. As she prepares in Southern California for the upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, she emphasizes celebrating incremental progress and the power of gratitude. Her story underscores how adversity can reveal unexpected inner strength and offers a visible role model for future Paralympic athletes.